Sarah Brown paid a tribute to her “heroic” husband Gordon yesterday as he inspired Labour with the speech of a lifetime.

She told the Brighton party conference the PM got up each day and went to bed each night worrying about how he could best serve the British people. Sarah added: “I know he’s not a saint. He’s messy. He’s noisy. He gets up at a terrible hour.

“But I know he loves our country. And I know he will always, always, put you first. My husband, my hero.”

Moments later Mr Brown bounded on stage and gave a barnstorming speech that galvanised Labour’s rank and file for the coming election battle with David Cameron’s Tories. But Sarah had told how she had first been entranced by the gentler side of her husband’s nature.

She said: “The first time I met Gordon I was struck how somebody who was so intense and so intelligent could be so gentle, could ask so many questions, could really care.

“He will always make the time for people, for our family, for his friends, for anyone who needs him.

“That’s part of the reason why I love him as much as I do.”

As delegates cheered and clapped she added: “That is what makes him the man for Britain too.”

Sarah added: “Gordon has got a tough job. I wouldn’t want it for the world. But each day I’m thankful that he’s the one who has it. That he’s the one that chooses the policies.

“I’ve seen how Gordon and his ministers have to square up to big choices, huge challenges.”

Sarah admitted she did not know much about matters such as economics or the environment.

But she told conference: “I do know a lot about my husband.

“Gordon and I have been married for nine years now. We’ve seen each other through some tough times, had some great times and we’ll be together for all times.”

It is the second year in a row Sarah has introduced her husband’s big conference speech.

Labour strategists believe she has a massive appeal in the country and has helped change the image of Mr Brown as a dour character.